Dual-action storage media chassis structure and system

ABSTRACT

A dual-action storage media chassis system comprising: a chassis and two storage media modules accommodated in the chassis. The chassis defining a central back storage space accommodating a processor unit having a third operating temperature. Each storage media module including: a tray frame, each tray frame including a top access opening; a first plurality of storage media (having a first operating temperature) arranged into a front portion of the tray frame through the top access opening; a second plurality of storage media (having a second operating temperature) arranged into a back portion of the tray frame through the top access opening; the front portion, the back portion and the central back storage space being disposed longitudinally sequentially in the dual-action storage media chassis system, such that the second operating temperature is superior to the first operating temperature, and the third operating temperature is superior to the second operating temperature.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to chassis structure, and moreparticularly, to a dual-action storage media chassis structure thatfacilitates access to and removal of storage media.

BACKGROUND

A server is a central computer that serves computers in a networkenvironment and provides necessary functionalities to these networkcomputers such as storage, processing, and exchange of information.Conventional servers may be implemented similarly to conventionalpersonal computers and generally comprise a central processing unit(s)(CPU), a memory(ies) as well as input/output device(s) which are allcommunicatively coupled together internally via a bus. These internalcomponents of the server or server hardware operate according toinherent specifications and may be influenced by external factors suchas temperature, humidity, pressure and the like.

A single server may be composed of a plurality of server racks whichaccommodate the afore-mentioned server hardware. These server racks aregenerally arranged or stacked one over another in a compact manner andforming a server cabinet in order to minimize the room occupied by theserver. The so-arranged server cabinet may be disposed in a factory, anengine room or any other location suitable for physical storage of theserver cabinet. When more than one server cabinet is required forimplementing a server, the more than one server cabinet are usuallydisposed one next to the other so as to minimize the room occupied bythe server.

Due to the compact stacking or arrangement of the server racks and ofthe server cabinets, some of the components of the server may bedifficult to access during maintenance or repair of the server.Additionally, the proximity of internal components may have an effect onthe performance of the server due to heat generation and its influenceon inherent specifications of the internal components.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present technology have been developed based ondevelopers' appreciation that while the server racks arranged in acompact manner, the proximity of internal components of server racks mayreduce their performance. Embodiments of the present technology havebeen developed based on developers' appreciation of at least onetechnical problem associated with the prior art solutions. Therefore,developers have devised a dual-action storage media chassis structureand system.

In accordance with a first broad aspect of the present technology, thereis provided a dual-action storage media chassis structure, comprising: achassis including: a partition corridor defined by two inner slide wallslongitudinally extending in the chassis; two storage spacessymmetrically disposed on both sides of the partition corridor,respectively; and a central back storage space for accommodating athird-type of electronic component having a third operating temperature;two storage media modules accommodated respectively in the two storagespaces, each storage media module including: a tray frame, each trayframe including a top access opening, each tray frame for accommodatinga second-type of electronic component having a second operatingtemperature in a back portion of the tray frame and for accommodating afirst-type of electronic component having a first operating temperaturein a front portion of the tray frame; two dual-action slide assemblies,each dual-action slide assembly including: a corresponding one of thetwo inner slide walls and a respective inner slide panel longitudinallyextending in the chassis and attached to the respective tray frame, thecorresponding one of the two inner slide walls adapted for slideablyreceiving the respective inner slide panel; each dual-action slideassembly for longitudinally and slideably moving the respective trayframe between a received position, a first withdrawn position and asecond withdrawn position; the front portion of a given tray frame, theback portion of the given tray frame and the central back storage spacebeing disposed longitudinally sequentially in the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure from the front end thereof to a back endthereof, such that the second operating temperature is superior to thefirst operating temperature, and the third operating temperature issuperior to the second operating temperature.

In some implementation of the dual-action storage media chassisstructure, each storage media module further includes a chain structureattached at one end to the respective tray frame and pivotably attachedat the other end to the chassis in proximity to the central back storagespace, the chain structure preventing the respective tray frame frombeing disconnected from the chassis.

In some implementation of the dual-action storage media chassisstructure, each dual-action slide assembly is adapted to latch therespective tray frame in any one of the first and second withdrawnpositions.

In some implementation of the dual-action storage media chassisstructure, each dual-action slide assembly is adapted to lock therespective tray frame in the received positions.

In accordance with another broad aspect of the present technology, thereis provided a dual-action storage media chassis system comprising: achassis including: a partition corridor defined by two inner slide wallslongitudinally extending in the chassis; two storage spacessymmetrically disposed on both sides of the partition corridor,respectively; and a central back storage space accommodating a processorunit having a third operating temperature; two storage media modulesaccommodated respectively in the two storage spaces, each storage mediamodule including: a tray frame, each tray frame including a top accessopening; a first plurality of storage media arranged into a frontportion of the tray frame through the top access opening, each one ofthe first plurality of storage media having a first operatingtemperature; a second plurality of storage media arranged into a backportion of the tray frame through the top access opening, each one ofthe second plurality of storage media having a second operatingtemperature; the first and the second pluralities of storage media beingelectrically coupled to the processor unit, the front portion of thetray frame, the back portion of the tray frame and the central backstorage space being disposed longitudinally sequentially in thedual-action storage media chassis system, such that the second operatingtemperature is superior to the first operating temperature, and thethird operating temperature is superior to the second operatingtemperature; and two dual-action slide assemblies for longitudinally andslideably moving the respective tray frames between a received position,a first withdrawn position and a second withdrawn position, eachdual-action slide assembly including a corresponding one of the twoinner slide walls and a respective inner slide panel longitudinallyextending in the chassis and attached to the respective tray frame, thecorresponding one of the two inner slide walls adapted for slideablyreceiving the respective inner slide panel.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the second plurality of storage media of a given storage media module isonly accessible through the top access opening of the respective trayframe when the respective tray frame is in the second withdrawnposition.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the second plurality of storage media of a given storage media module isnot accessible through the top access opening of the respective trayframe when the respective tray frame is in the first withdrawn position.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the first plurality of storage media of a given storage media module isaccessible through the top access opening of the respective tray framewhen the respective tray frame is any one of the first and secondwithdrawn positions.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,each storage media module further includes a storage media combinationframe attached to the respective tray frame and adapted for electricallycoupling each one of the first plurality of storage media and of thesecond plurality of storage media arranged into the respective trayframe.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,each storage media module further includes a chain structure attached atone end to the respective tray frame and pivotably attached at the otherend to the chassis in proximity to the central back storage space, thechain structure preventing the respective tray frame to be disconnectedfrom the chassis.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the first plurality of storage media and the second plurality of storagemedia of a given storage media module are latched differently to therespective tray frame.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the dual-action storage media chassis system further includes twoguiding assemblies, each guiding assembly cooperating with thecorresponding dual-action slide assembly for moving the respective trayframe between the received position, the first withdrawn position andthe second withdrawn position.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,the first operating temperature is about 50 degrees Celsius, the secondoperating temperature is about 70 degrees Celsius and the firstoperating temperature is about 95 degrees Celsius.

In some implementations of the dual-action storage media chassis system,each dual-action slide assembly is adapted to latch the respective trayframe in any one of the first and second withdrawn positions.

Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of theabove-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have allof them. It should be understood that some aspects of the presenttechnology that have resulted from attempting to attain theabove-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfyother objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages ofimplementations of the present technology will become apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presenttechnology will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of a dual-action storage mediachassis structure with a left and right storage media modules being in areceived position, with a CPU, without a first and second pluralities ofstorage media and without a left and right top covers;

FIG. 2 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure with the right storage media module being in thereceived position, with the left storage media module being in a secondwithdrawn position, with a CPU, without the first and second pluralitiesof storage media of the left storage media module and without the leftand right top covers;

FIG. 3 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 1 with the first and second pluralitiesof storage media;

FIG. 4 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 2 with the right top cover;

FIG. 5 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storage mediachassis structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storage mediachassis structure of FIG. 5 with the first and second pluralities ofstorage media of the right storage media module and with the right topcover;

FIG. 7 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storage mediachassis structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storage mediachassis structure of FIG. 3 with the right top cover;

FIG. 9 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storage mediachassis structure of FIG. 7 with the first and second pluralities ofstorage media of the left storage media module;

FIG. 10 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 3 with the left and right storage mediamodules being in the second withdrawn position;

FIG. 11 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 5 without the CPU;

FIG. 12 is a front left perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 5 with the CPU being dotted-out;

FIG. 13 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 3 with the CPU being dotted-out and thefirst and second pluralities of storage media of the left and rightstorage media modules being dotted-out;

FIG. 14 is a front right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 10 with the left and right storage mediamodules being in the first withdrawn position; and

FIG. 15 is a back right perspective view of the dual-action storagemedia chassis structure of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The examples and conditional language recited herein are principallyintended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of thepresent technology and not to limit its scope to such specificallyrecited examples and conditions. It will be appreciated that thoseskilled in the art may devise various arrangements which, although notexplicitly described or shown herein, nonetheless embody the principlesof the present technology and are included within its spirit and scope.

Furthermore, as an aid to understanding, the following description maydescribe relatively simplified implementations of the presenttechnology. As persons skilled in the art would understand, variousimplementations of the present technology may be of a greatercomplexity.

In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modificationsto the present technology may also be set forth. This is done merely asan aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or setforth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are notan exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make othermodifications while nonetheless remaining within the scope of thepresent technology. Further, where no examples of modifications havebeen set forth, it should not be interpreted that no modifications arepossible and/or that what is described is the sole manner ofimplementing that element of the present technology.

With reference to FIG. 10, there is depicted a dual-action storage mediachassis system 1 that comprises a dual-action storage media chassisstructure 10. The dual-action storage media chassis structure 10comprises a chassis 100, two storage media modules 200 and twodual-action slide assemblies 300.

The chassis 100 is formed by a bottom surface 102, two outer walls 105attached to the bottom surface 102 on each lateral side thereof and aback wall 106 attached to the bottom surface 102 at a back side thereof.The two outer walls 105 extend longitudinally from a front side of thebottom surface 102 to the back side thereof (where the back wall 106is). The back wall 106 extends laterally between the two outer walls 105and is attached at each end to a back end of the respective outer wall105.

The chassis 100 includes a partition corridor 110 defined by the bottomsurface 102 and by two inner slide walls 320 on the left and the right(all direction are defined as viewed the back wall of the chassis 100).The two inner slide walls 320 extend longitudinally in the chassis 100,extend parallel to the outer walls 105 and are attached to the bottomsurface 102 of the chassis 100.

The chassis 100 also includes two storage spaces 120 which are at leastpartially formed by the partition corridor 110. The left storage space120 is defined by the bottom surface 102, by the left outer wall 105 onthe left and by the left inner slide wall 320 on the right. Similarly,the right storage space 120 is defined by the bottom surface 102, by theright outer wall 105 on the right and by the right inner slide wall 320on the left. The two storage spaces 120 are symmetrically disposed onboth sides of the partition corridor 110. In a specific non-limitingembodiment of the present technology, the two storage spaces 120 can bemirror images of each other along a longitudinal axis of the chassis100.

The chassis 100 also includes a central back storage space 122, as bestseen in FIG. 11, for accommodating a third-type of an electroniccomponent, such as a central processing unit (CPU) 126 depicted in FIGS.6 and 7. The CPU 126 can have an operating temperature of 95 degreesCelsius (as an example). Alternatively, the CPU 126 may be operating atabout 95 degrees Celsius and, as such, the operating temperature of theCPU 126 may be between 90 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius. TheCPU 126 has internal conduits 325 for allowing air to enter andcirculate around high temperature regions of the CPU 126 thus providingcooling to the CPU 126.

As best seen in FIG. 15, the CPU 126 has a power connector 600 thatprovides power to the CPU 126 and to other electrical components of thedual-action storage media chassis system 1. The back wall 106 is adaptedfor insertion of the power connector 600 through the back wall 106 whenthe CPU 126 is accommodated in the central back storage space 122. Theback wall 106 also has two apertures 326 that are laterally aligned withthe internal conduits 325 of the CPU 126 when the CPU 126 isaccommodated in the central back storage space 122. As a result, airthat entered, from the inside of the dual-action storage media chassissystem 1, into the internal conduits 325 and circulated around hightemperature regions of the CPU 126, exits from the dual-action storagemedia chassis system 1 at the back side thereof through the twoapertures 326.

The back wall 106 also supports a management-port connector 602 of thedual-action storage media chassis system 1 on a left side of the backwall 106. The management-port connector 602 connects the dual-actionstorage media chassis system 1 to main management busses of a serverrack (not depicted) in which the dual-action storage media chassissystem 1 can be installed.

Returning to FIG. 10, the chassis 100 also includes two chain storagespaces 124 for accommodating a respective chain structure 400 duringmovement of the respective storage media module 200 as it will befurther described herein below.

With reference to FIG. 4, the chassis 100 also includes a top rightcover 101 attached to the right outer wall 105 at the top thereof and tothe right inner slide wall 320 at the top thereof. The top cover 101provides additional structural integrity to the chassis 100.Additionally, the chassis 100 may include a top left cover attached tothe left outer wall 105 at the top thereof and to the left inner slidewall 320 at the top thereof. Therefore, it is contemplated that thechassis 100 may include two top covers 101.

Each storage media module 200 is accommodated in the respective storagespace 120 when the respective storage media module 200 is in a receivedposition, such as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 13. The left storage mediamodule 200 is a mirror image of the right storage media module 200. Eachstorage media module 200 includes a respective tray frame 210, arespective first plurality of storage media 220 and a respective secondplurality of storage media 225.

Each tray frame 210 has a front portion 212 and a back portion 214 (see,for example, FIG. 9). The front portion 212 of a given tray frame 210accommodates the first plurality of storage media 220 and the backportion 214 of the given tray frame 210 accommodates the secondplurality of storage media 225. The first plurality of storage media 220and the second plurality of storage media 225 are of distinct types ofstorage media. The first plurality of storage media 220 is a pluralityof hard disk drives (HDDs). The second plurality of storage media 225 isa plurality of solid-state drives (SSDs). Alternatively, the secondplurality of storage media 225 may be a plurality of non-volatile memorystorage media (NVMEs).

The first plurality of storage media 220 has an operating temperature of50 degrees Celsius (as an example). Alternatively, the first pluralityof storage media 220 may be operating at about 50 degrees Celsius and,as such, the operating temperature of the first plurality of storagemedia 220 may be between 45 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius. Thesecond plurality of storage media 225 has an operating temperature of 70degrees Celsius (as an example). Alternatively, the second plurality ofstorage media 225 may be operating at about 70 degrees Celsius and, assuch, the operating temperature of the second plurality of storage media225 may be between 65 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius.

The first plurality of storage media 220 is disposed in each respectivefront portion 212 of the respective tray frame 210 in a two-by-twoarrangement. The second plurality of storage media 225 is disposed ineach respective back portion 214 of the respective tray frame 210 in atwo-by-one arrangement.

Each tray frame 210 has a top access opening 240 (see FIG. 9) forproviding access to the first plurality of storage media 220 when thetray frame 210 is in a first withdrawn position, such as depicted inFIG. 14. Indeed, although the top covers 101 are not depicted in FIG. 14for ease of illustration, it is contemplated that in the first withdrawnposition, the back portion 214 of a given tray frame 210 and therespective second plurality of storage media 225 are covered by therespective top cover 101, thus being inaccessible. When a given trayframe 210 is in the first withdrawn position, the respective firstplurality of storage media 220 can be installed into or removed from thegiven tray frame 210 individually through the respective top accessopening 240.

However, the top access opening 240 provides access to both therespective first and second pluralities of storage media 220 and 225when the respective tray frame 210 is in a second withdrawn position,such as depicted in FIG. 9. When a given tray frame 210 is in the secondwithdrawn position, the respective first and second pluralities ofstorage media 220 and 225 can be arranged into or removed from therespective tray frame 210 individually through the respective top accessopening 240.

With reference to FIG. 3, when the given tray frame 210 is in thereceived position, the front portion 212 of the given tray frame 210,the back portion 214 of the given tray frame 210 and the center backstorage space 122 are disposed longitudinally sequentially in thechassis 100. Put another way, when the given tray frame 210 is in thereceived position, the first plurality of storage media 220, the secondplurality of storage media 225 and the CPU 126 are disposedlongitudinally sequentially in the chassis 100.

Each storage media module 200 further has a storage media combinationframe 250, as best shown in FIG. 12, which is attached to the bottom ofthe respective tray frame 210 and is adapted for electrically couplingeach one of the respective first plurality of storage media 220 and eachone of the respective second plurality of storage media 225. Eachstorage media combination frame 250 has connectors 252 for electricallycoupling each one of the respective first plurality of storage media 220to the storage media combination frame 250. Each storage mediacombination frame 250 has connectors 253 for electrically coupling eachone of the respective second plurality of storage media 225 to thestorage media combination frame 250.

Each storage media module 200 further has latching structures 254, asbest shown in FIG. 2, that are operatively connected with the respectivetray frame 210 for latching each one of the respective first pluralityof storage media 220 to the storage media combination frame 250. Eachstorage media module 200 further has latching structures 255 that areoperatively connected with the respective tray frame 210 for latchingeach one of the respective second plurality of storage media 225 to thestorage media combination frame 250.

The latching structures 254 are of a first type of touch-latches and thelatching structures 255 are of a second type of touch-latches.Therefore, the first plurality of storage media 220 and the secondplurality of storage media 225 are latched differently to the respectivestorage media combination frame 250 and to the respective tray frame210. Alternatively, the latching structures 254 and 255 may be of anyother type of latching structures that allow latching the first and thesecond pluralities of storage media 220 and 225, respectively to thestorage media combination frame 250 so that they are electricallycoupled to the storage media combination frame 250 by the connectors 252and 253, respectively, when latched.

Each storage media module 200 further has a respective chain structure400 that is attached to the respective tray frame 210 at one end by arespective chain attachment 402. Each chain structure 400 is pivotablyattached to the bottom surface 102 of the chassis 100 at the other endby a respective pivotal chain attachment 404. Each chain structure 400is pivotably attached to the bottom surface 102 of the chassis 100 inproximity to the central back storage space 122. Each chain structure400 is formed by connecting a plurality of pivots 410 together. Thechain structure 400 can limit the position of the respective tray frame210 and cooperates with the respective dual-action slide assembly 300 toprevent the tray frame 210 from inadvertently falling out ordisconnecting from the chassis 100.

Each chain structure 400 defines a hollow passage (not numbered) foraccommodating cabling for electrically coupling the CPU 126 and therespective storage media combination frame 250. The respective cablingis connected to the CPU 126 in proximity to the respective pivotal chainattachment 404 and extends from the other end to the one end of thechain structure 400 through the hollow passage defined by each pivot 410of the respective chain structure 400. At the one end of the respectivechain structure 400, the cabling continues to extend through respectiveguiding structures 406, which are attached to the respective tray frame210, and is then connected to a respective tray framework 260 of therespective storage media module 200.

Each tray framework 260 is electrically coupled to the respectivestorage media combination frame 250 and is attached to the respectivetray frame 210. Each chain structures 400 and the respective guidingstructures 406 protect and provide an organized arrangement of therespective cabling, which electrically couples the CPU 126 with therespective first and second pluralities of storage media 220 and 225,during movement of the respective storage media module 200. Hence, theCPU 126 that is accommodated in the central back storage space 122 canmonitor and control each one of the first and second plurality ofstorage media 220 and 225. It is contemplated that the CPU 126 may alsoperform additional operations for enabling the functionalities of adual-action storage media chassis system 1.

With reference to FIG. 10, each dual-action slide assembly 300 includesa respective inner slide panel 310 and the respective inner slide wall320. Each respective inner slide panel 310 is attached to the respectivetray frame 210. Each inner slide panel 310 extends longitudinally in thechassis 100. Alternatively, a given inner slide panel 310 and therespective tray frame 210 may be integrally formed. Each inner slidewall 320 is adapted to slideably receive the respective inner slidepanel 310. Each dual-action slide assembly 300 allows moving therespective tray frame 210 between the second withdrawn position, thefirst withdrawn position and the received position.

It is contemplated that, in additional embodiments of the presenttechnology, the dual-action storage media chassis structure 10 mayfurther comprise a respective guiding assembly (not depicted) for eachstorage media module 200. Each guiding assembly may be located between arespective side panel 230 of the respective tray frame 210 and therespective outer wall 105. A given guiding assembly may aid in guidingthe respective tray frame 210 as it moves and may cooperate with therespective dual-action slide assembly 300 for moving the respective trayframe 210 between the second withdrawn position, the first withdrawnposition and the received position.

Each dual-action slide assembly 300 is adapted to latch the respectivetray frame 210 in the second withdrawn position and the first withdrawnposition. Each dual-action slide assembly 300 is adapted to lock therespective tray frame 210 in the received position. How each dual-actionslide assembly 300 is adapted for latching the respective tray frame 210in any one of the second withdrawn position and the first withdrawnposition and for locking the respective tray frame 210 in the receivedposition will be further described herein below.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the dual-action storage media chassis system 1is provided with a front operator panel 500. The front operator panel500 is attached to the chassis 100 and to the inner slide walls 320 onthe left and on the right thereof. The front operator panel 500 isdisposed opposite to the back wall 106 of the chassis 100 and islaterally aligned with the partition corridor 110.

The front operator panel 500 supports a plurality of ports (notnumbered) and a plurality of buttons (not numbered). The plurality ofports may comprise, but is not limited to: USB ports, video displayports, eSATA ports, serial ports, Ethernet port, debug port, and thelike. The plurality of buttons may comprise, but is not limited to:power button, firmware reboot button, and the like.

The plurality of ports are electrically coupled to a front hardware unit506 that is disposed in the partition corridor 110 such that an aperture504 of the front operator panel 500 is unobstructed by the fronthardware unit 506. The front hardware unit 506 enables an emergencyreset mechanism or a reboot functionality of the dual-action storagemedia chassis system 1 and allows restoring damaged BIOS and BMCfirmware, for example. An operator may perform the reboot by pressingthe reboot button, for example. The front hardware unit 506 also enablesat least some operational and at least some safety functionalities ofthe dual-action storage media chassis system 1. The front hardware unit506 also enables an electrical coupling of the dual-action storage mediachassis system 1 with external computer devices that are connected toany one of the plurality of ports.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 15, cooling of the dual-action storagemedia chassis system 1 will now be described.

The front operator panel 500 has the aperture 504 that allows a fluidcommunication between the outside of the dual-action storage mediachassis system 1 and the inside of the partition corridor 110. Thepartition corridor 110 is also in fluid communication with the chainstorage spaces 124, the central back storage space 122 and the storagespaces 120.

While air is circulating in the dual-action storage media chassis system1, each of a plurality of thermocouples 510 is measuring a respectivelocal air temperature in order to monitor whether various electricalcomponents, such as the first plurality of storage media 220, the secondplurality of storage media 225 and the CPU 126 are operating attemperatures corresponding to their respective operating temperatures.

Air may enter at the front of each storage media module 200 and travelalong the first plurality of storage media 220 towards the secondplurality of storage media 225. Air may enter through the aperture 504into the partition corridor 110 and travel along the front hardware unit506 towards the back. Having this additional airflow in the partitioncorridor 110 that is enabled by the aperture 504 increases coolingefficiency of the dual-action storage media chassis system 1.Additionally, due to the two-by-two arrangement of the first pluralityof storage media 220 and due to the two-by-one arrangement of the secondplurality of storage media 225 in each tray frame 210, the partitioncorridor 110 that extends longitudinally in the chassis 100 is inproximity with each and every storage media of both tray frames 210.This proximity between the partition corridor 110 and each and everystorage media of both tray frames 210 may increase the coolingefficiency of the dual-action storage media chassis system 1.

Also, each inner slide wall 320 defines an airflow aperture 322 and eachinner slide panel 310 defines an airflow aperture 321. The respectiveairflow apertures 321 and 322 are disposed such that, when therespective storage media module 200 is in the received position, theairflow apertures 321 and 322 are superposed and provide additionalfluid communication between the partition corridor 110 and therespective storage spaces 120 through the respective superposed airflowapertures 321 and 322. Also, each inner slide panel 310 has an aperturestructure 324 that is attached thereto at the back. Each aperturestructure 324 is disposed such that it can be slideably received by theinner slide wall 320 during movement of the respective storage mediamodule 200. Each aperture structure 324 has an aperture 323 definedtherein for providing additional fluid communication between thepartition corridor 110 and the respective storage spaces 120. Thisprovision of additional fluid communication between the storage spaces120 and the partition corridor 110 may increase the cooling efficiencyof the dual-action storage media chassis system 1.

After entering at the front of each storage media module 200 andtravelling along the first plurality of storage media 220 and along thesecond plurality of storage media 225, air travels towards the CPU 126located rearwardly from the second plurality of storage media 225 in thechassis 100. Put another way, air that traveled longitudinallysequentially along the first plurality of storage media 220 and alongthe second plurality of storage media 225 travels towards the internalconduits 325 of the CPU 126 and enters the internal conduits 325 of theCPU 126. This air then circulates around high temperature regions of theCPU 126 and finally exits from the dual-action storage media chassissystem 1 at a back side thereof through the two apertures 326.

It should be understood that while travelling longitudinallysequentially along the first plurality of storage media 220, the secondplurality of storage media 225 and the CPU 126, air gradually heats updue to thermal energy dissipated by each one of the first plurality ofstorage media 220, the second plurality of storage media 225 and the CPU126. As such, local air temperature in the dual-action storage mediachassis system 1 generally increases with respect to its longitudinalaxis away from the front end of the dual-action storage media chassissystem 1. Therefore, positioning the first plurality of storage media220, the second plurality of storage media 225 and the CPU 126 in thedual-action storage media chassis system 1 in a longitudinal sequenceaccording to an increasing order of their respective operatingtemperatures may increase the cooling efficiency of the dual-actionstorage media chassis system 1.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 9 and 14, it will now be described how theoperator can operate the given storage media module 200 of thedual-action storage media chassis structure 10. This operation of thegiven storage media module 200 by the operator will be described withreference to the left storage media module 200 only. It should beunderstood however that the operator can operate the right storage mediamodule 200 of the dual-action storage media chassis structure 10 in asimilar manner since, as previously mentioned, the right storage mediamodule 200 is a mirror image of the left storage media module 200 and,therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the operation of the rightstorage media module 200 by the operator will not be described ingreater detail herein below. It should be understood however that theoperator may operate any one of the left and right storage media module200 independently and/or simultaneously.

The left tray frame 210 is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 8 in the receivedposition. When the left tray frame 210 is in the received position, therespective first plurality of storage media 220 is covered by the lefttop cover (not depicted), which is affixed to the corresponding innerslide wall 320 and to the corresponding outer chassis wall 105, whilethe respective second plurality of storage media 225 of the left trayframe 210 is uncovered.

A left locking mechanism 201 is depicted in FIG. 4 in a releasedposition and is located on the inner slide panel 310 of the left trayframe 210. When the left tray frame 210 is in the received position andthe left locking mechanism 201 is in the released position, the leftlocking mechanism 201 cooperates with the corresponding inner slide wall320 to lock the left tray frame 210. When the left tray frame 210 is inthe received position and the left locking mechanism 201 is in thereleased position, the left locking mechanism 201 abuts against thecorresponding inner slide wall 320. When the operator presses outwardlyon the left locking mechanism 201, the left locking mechanism 201 ismoved from the released position to an actuated position and the leftlocking mechanism 201 no longer abuts against the corresponding innerslide wall 320 and the left tray frame 210 becomes unlocked in thereceived position.

The left tray frame 210 comprises a left tray handle 202, whichprotrudes forwardly of the chassis 100. While pressing outwardly on theleft locking mechanism 201, the operator pulls on the left tray handle202 so as to slideably move the left tray frame 210 away from thechassis 100. The corresponding inner slide wall 320 cooperates with theinner slide panel 310 of the left tray frame 210 so as to allow alongitudinal and slideable movement of the left tray frame 210 away fromthe chassis 100 when the operator pulls on the left tray handle 202.

The left tray handle 202 is disposed in proximity of the left lockingmechanism 201 so that the operator can single-handedly andsimultaneously pull the left tray handle 202 and press on the leftlocking mechanism 201. When the left tray frame 210 is sufficientlylongitudinally and slideably moved away from the chassis 100, the leftlocking mechanism 201 is positioned completely forward of thecorresponding inner slide wall 320 and the operator can release the leftlocking mechanism 201 without locking the left tray frame 210 since theleft locking mechanism 201 can no longer abut against the correspondinginner slide wall 320. The operator continues to pull on the left trayhandle 202 until the left tray frame 210 reaches the first withdrawnposition such as depicted in FIG. 14.

When the left tray frame 210 reaches the first withdrawn position, theleft dual-action slide assembly 300 latches the left frame 210 in thefirst withdrawn position. When the left tray frame 210 is latched in thefirst withdrawn position, the operator has access to the first pluralityof storage media 220 in the left tray frame 210 through the top accessopening 240 of the left tray frame 210. When the left tray frame 210 islatched in the first withdrawn position, the operator does not haveaccess to the second plurality of storage media 225 in the left trayframe 210 since in the first withdrawn position of the left tray frame210 the second plurality of storage media 225 is covered by the left topcover (not depicted). This limited access to the first plurality ofstorage media 220 in the first withdrawn position allows repair andmaintenance of any one of first plurality of storage media 220 withoutinadvertently unlatching or disconnecting any one of the secondplurality of storage media 225.

The operator can release the left tray handle 202 and can remove fromthe left tray frame 210 any one of the corresponding first plurality ofstorage media 220 using both hands while avoiding an inadvertentmovement of the left tray frame 210, since the left tray frame 210 islatched in the first withdrawn position. The operator can actuate therespective latching structure 254 in order to unlatch any one of thefirst storage media 220 while the left tray frame 210 is in the firstwithdrawn position. Once a given first storage media 220 is unlatched,the operator can remove the given first storage media 220 from the lefttray frame 210 through the top access opening 240 of the left tray frame210 and, therefore, disconnect the given first storage media 220 fromthe respective connectors 252. The operator can install into the lefttray frame 210 a replacement first storage media 220 in lieu of thegiven first storage media 220 that was removed. To that end, theoperator can position the replacement first storage media 220 over therespective connectors 252 and can press on the replacement first storagemedia 220 which actuates the respective latching structure 254 therebylatching the replacement first storage media 220 to the left tray frame210.

The operator can pull again on the left tray handle 202 forwardly awayfrom the chassis 100 while the left tray frame 210 is in the firstwithdrawn position. By pulling according to a threshold force on theleft tray handle 202 forwardly away from the chassis 100 while the lefttray frame 210 is in the first withdrawn position, the operator appliessufficient force on the left dual-action slide assembly 300 whichunlatches the left frame 210 in the first withdrawn position andlongitudinally and slideably moves the left tray frame 210 from thefirst withdrawn position towards the second withdrawn position. The lefttray frame 210 is depicted in the second withdrawn position in FIG. 9.

When the left tray frame 210 reaches the second withdrawn position, theleft dual-action slide assembly 300 latches the left frame 210 in thesecond withdrawn position. When the left tray frame 210 is latched inthe second withdrawn position, the operator has access to the first andthe second plurality of storage media 220 and 225 in the left tray frame210 through the top access opening 240 of the left tray frame 210.

The operator can release the left tray handle 202 and can remove fromthe left tray frame 210 any one of the respective first plurality ofstorage media 220 and/or any one of the respective second plurality ofstorage media 225 using both hands while avoiding an inadvertentmovement of the left tray frame 210, since the left tray frame 210 islatched in the second withdrawn position.

The operator can remove any one of the first storage media 220 while theleft tray frame 210 is in the second withdrawn position similarly to howthe operator can remove any one of the first storage media 220 while theleft tray frame 210 is in the first withdrawn position. In order toremove any one of the second plurality of storage media 225 while theleft tray is in the second withdrawn position, the operator can actuatethe respective latching structure 255 in order to unlatch any one of thesecond storage media 225. Once a given second storage media 225 isunlatched, the operator can remove the given second storage media 225from the left tray frame 210 through the top access opening 240 of theleft tray frame 210 and, therefore, disconnect the given second storagemedia 225 from the respective connectors 253.

The operator can install into the left tray frame 210 a replacementsecond storage media 225 in lieu of the given second storage media 225that was removed. To that end, the operator can position the replacementsecond storage media 225 over the respective connectors 253 so that thereplacement second storage media 225 abuts against the respectivelatching structure 255 and can press on the replacement second storagemedia 225 which actuates the respective latching structure 255 therebylatching the replacement second storage media 225 to the left tray frame210.

The operator can push on the left tray handle 202 towards the chassis100 while the left tray frame 210 is in the second withdrawn position.By pushing according to the threshold force on the left tray handle 202towards the chassis 100 while the left tray frame 210 is in the secondwithdrawn position, the operator applies sufficient force on the leftdual-action slide assembly 300 which unlatches the left frame 210 in thesecond withdrawn position and longitudinally and slideably moves theleft tray frame 210 from the second withdrawn position towards the firstwithdrawn position. The operator can push on the left tray handle 202until the left tray frame 210 reaches the first withdrawn position suchas depicted in FIG. 14.

When the left tray frame 210 reaches the first withdrawn position, theleft dual-action slide assembly 300 latches the left frame 210 in thefirst withdrawn position. The operator can push again on the left trayhandle 202 towards the chassis 100 while the left tray frame 210 is inthe first withdrawn position. By pushing according to the thresholdforce on the left tray handle 202 towards the chassis 100 while the lefttray frame 210 is in the first withdrawn position, the operator appliessufficient force on the left dual-action slide assembly 300 whichunlatches the left frame 210 in the first withdrawn position andlongitudinally and slideably moves the left tray frame 210 from thefirst withdrawn position towards the received position. Once the lefttray frame 210 reaches the received position, the left locking mechanism201 locks the left tray frame 210 in the received position.

The dual-action storage media chassis structure 10 is adapted forinstallment in a server rack (not depicted). In order be inserted andinstalled in the server rack, the outer walls 105 of the chassis 100 cancooperate with inner walls of the server rack for snuggly inserting thedual-action storage media chassis structure 10 into the server rack. Theoperator can snuggly insert the dual-action storage media chassisstructure 10 into the server rack and can install it by pushing onchassis handles 116. By pushing on the chassis handles 116, the operatorconnects the power connector 600 to a power bus of the server rack andthe management-port connector 602 to the main management busses of theserver rack. Once the dual-action storage media chassis structure 10 issnuggly inserted into the server rack and is so-installed, chassis locks117 of the chassis 100 cooperate with the inner walls of the server rackfor locking the dual-action storage media chassis structure 10 in place.

The operator can remove the dual-action storage media chassis structure10 from the server rack by actuating the chassis locks 117 therebystopping the cooperation between the chassis locks 117 and the innerwalls of the server rack. While actuating the chassis locks 117 (see forexample, FIG. 2), the operator can pull (under-hand pull) on the chassishandles 116 for removing the dual-action storage media chassis structure10 from the server rack.

In an alternative embodiment of the present technology, instead of thetray frame 210 having the front portion 212 and the back portion 214,the respective storage media module 200 may have first and secondcooperating tray frames (not depicted) where the first cooperating trayframe may accommodate the first plurality of storage media 220 similarlyto how the front portion 212 accommodates the first plurality of storagemedia 220 and the second cooperating tray frame may accommodate thesecond plurality of storage media 225 similarly to how the back portion214 accommodates the second plurality of storage media 225. However,unlike the first portion 212 and the second portion 214, whichintegrally form the tray frame 210, the first cooperating tray frame andthe second cooperating tray frame are distinct tray frames. The firstcooperating tray frame at least partially overlaps the secondcooperating tray frame when they are in the received position.

Both the first and the second cooperating tray frames are adapted forslideably moving longitudinally from the received position to a fullywithdrawn position. The first cooperating tray frame slideably moveslongitudinally at a first vertical height in the chassis 100 while thesecond cooperating tray frame slideably moves longitudinally at a secondvertical height in the chassis. The first vertical height is superior tothe second vertical height.

The operator can pull on the first cooperating tray frame until thefirst cooperating tray frame is withdrawn from the chassis 100. In thisposition, the first plurality of storage media 220 accommodated by thefirst cooperating tray frame is accessible through a top opening (notdepicted) of the first cooperating tray frame. The operator can pullagain on the first cooperating tray frame. When the operator pulls againon the first cooperating tray frame, a first cooperation structure (notdepicted) of the first cooperating tray frame engages with a secondcooperation structure of the second cooperating tray frame and, as aresult, the pulling force exerted on the first cooperating tray frame istransferred to the second cooperating tray frame by the engaged firstand second cooperation structures thereby resulting in a slideablelongitudinal movement of both the first cooperating tray frame and thesecond cooperating tray frame. When the second cooperating tray frame iswithdrawn from the chassis 100, in addition to the first plurality ofstorage media being accessible, the second plurality of storage media225 accommodated by the second cooperating tray frame is also accessiblethrough a top opening (not depicted) of the second cooperating trayframe. Thus, it can be said that the first cooperating tray frame andthe second cooperating tray frame may be adapted for a sequential andtelescopic withdrawal from the chassis 100.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the implementation of thechassis 100 that includes two storage spaces 120 that are separatelyactuatable (i.e. that can be opened and retracted separately) can be atechnical effect where one can open a given one of the two storagespaces 120 without needing to open/close the other one. This, in turn,can have a technical effect whereby undesirable vibration of thecomponents stored in the other one of the two storage spaces 120 that isnot opened/closed is avoided. In those embodiments of the presenttechnology where the first cooperating tray frame slideably moveslongitudinally at a first vertical height in the chassis 100 while thesecond cooperating tray frame slideably moves longitudinally at a secondvertical height in the chassis, the undesirable vibration can further bereduced for one of the first cooperating tray frame and the secondcooperating tray frame.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations ofthe present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art.The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather thanlimiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended tobe limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual-action storage media chassis structure,comprising: a chassis including: a partition corridor defined by twoinner slide walls longitudinally extending in the chassis; two storagespaces and two chain storage spaces symmetrically disposed on both sidesof the partition corridor, respectively; and a central back storagespace located between the chain storage spaces for accommodating athird-type of electronic component having a third operating temperature;two storage media modules accommodated respectively in the two storagespaces, each storage media module including: a tray frame, each trayframe including a top access opening, each tray frame for accommodatinga second-type of electronic component having a second operatingtemperature in a back portion of the tray frame and for accommodating afirst-type of electronic component having a first operating temperaturein a front portion of the tray frame; and an extension having guidingstructures extended along a side opposite to the corresponding innerside wall and connected to a chain structure formed by hollow passages;a cable is connected to the third type of electronic component throughthe guiding structures and the hollow passages and received in the chainstorage space; two dual-action slide assemblies, each dual-action slideassembly including: o a corresponding one of the two inner slide wallsand a respective inner slide panel longitudinally extending in thechassis and attached to the respective tray frame, the corresponding oneof the two inner slide walls adapted for slideably receiving therespective inner slide panel; each dual-action slide assembly forlongitudinally and slideably moving the respective tray frame between areceived position, a first withdrawn position and a second withdrawnposition; the front portion of a given tray frame, the back portion ofthe given tray frame and the central back storage space being disposedlongitudinally sequentially in the dual-action storage media chassisstructure from the front end thereof to a back end thereof, such thatthe second operating temperature is superior to the first operatingtemperature, and the third operating temperature is superior to thesecond operating temperature.
 2. The dual-action storage media chassisstructure of claim 1, wherein each dual-action slide assembly is adaptedto latch the respective tray frame in any one of the first and secondwithdrawn positions.
 3. The dual-action storage media chassis structureof claim 1, wherein each dual-action slide assembly is adapted to lockthe respective tray frame in the received positions.
 4. A dual-actionstorage media chassis system, comprising: a chassis including: apartition corridor defined by two inner slide walls longitudinallyextending in the chassis; two storage spaces and two chain storagespaces symmetrically disposed on both sides of the partition corridor,respectively; and a central back storage space located between the chainstorage spaces accommodating a processor unit having a third operatingtemperature; two storage media modules accommodated respectively in thetwo storage spaces, each storage media module including: a tray frame,each tray frame including a top access opening; and an extension havingguiding structures extended along a side opposite to the correspondinginner side wall and connected to a chain structure formed by hollowpassages; a cable is connected to the processor unit through the guidingstructures and the hollow passages and received in the chain storagespace; a first plurality of storage media arranged into a front portionof the tray frame through the top access opening, each one of the firstplurality of storage media having a first operating temperature; asecond plurality of storage media arranged into a back portion of thetray frame through the top access opening, each one of the secondplurality of storage media having a second operating temperature; thefirst and the second pluralities of storage media being electricallycoupled to the processor unit, the front portion of the tray frame, theback portion of the tray frame and the central back storage space beingdisposed longitudinally sequentially in the dual-action storage mediachassis system, such that the second operating temperature is superiorto the first operating temperature, and the third operating temperatureis superior to the second operating temperature; and two dual-actionslide assemblies for longitudinally and slideably moving the respectivetray frames between a received position, a first withdrawn position anda second withdrawn position, each dual-action slide assembly including acorresponding one of the two inner slide walls and a respective innerslide panel longitudinally extending in the chassis and attached to therespective tray frame, the corresponding one of the two inner slidewalls adapted for slideably receiving the respective inner slide panel.5. The dual-action storage media chassis system of claim 4, wherein thesecond plurality of storage media of a given storage media module isonly accessible through the top access opening of the respective trayframe when the respective tray frame is in the second withdrawnposition.
 6. The dual-action storage media chassis system of claim 4,wherein the second plurality of storage media of a given storage mediamodule is not accessible through the top access opening of therespective tray frame when the respective tray frame is in the firstwithdrawn position.
 7. The dual-action storage media chassis system ofclaim 4, wherein the first plurality of storage media of a given storagemedia module is accessible through the top access opening of therespective tray frame when the respective tray frame is any one of thefirst and second withdrawn positions.
 8. The dual-action storage mediachassis system of claim 4, wherein each storage media module furtherincludes a storage media combination frame attached to the respectivetray frame and adapted for electrically coupling each one of the firstplurality of storage media and of the second plurality of storage mediaarranged into the respective tray frame.
 9. The dual-action storagemedia chassis system of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of storagemedia and the second plurality of storage media of a given storage mediamodule are latched differently to the respective tray frame.
 10. Thedual-action storage media chassis system of claim 4, wherein thedual-action storage media chassis system further includes two guidingassemblies, each guiding assembly cooperating with the correspondingdual-action slide assembly for moving the respective tray frame betweenthe received position, the first withdrawn position and the secondwithdrawn position.
 11. The dual-action storage media chassis system ofclaim 4, wherein the first operating temperature is 50 degrees Celsius,the second operating temperature is 70 degrees Celsius and the thirdoperating temperature is 95 degrees Celsius.
 12. The dual-action storagemedia chassis system of claim 4, wherein each dual-action slide assemblyis adapted to latch the respective tray frame in any one of the firstand second withdrawn positions.